Hydraulic tool with rapid ram advance

ABSTRACT

A hydraulic tool including a frame having a hydraulic conduit system; a ram movably connected to the frame; and a multi-speed ram advancement system for advancing the ram in at least two different rates of movement on the frame. The multi-speed ram advancement system includes a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic conduit system of the frame; and a conduit tube extending into a hydraulic chamber inside the ram and fixedly connected to the frame. The conduit tube is adapted to conduit hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic conduit system into the hydraulic chamber inside the ram. The conduit tube is axially rotatably connected to the frame and longitudinally stationarily fixed to the frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hydraulic tools and, more particularly,to a hydraulic tool with a multi-speed rapid ram advancement system.

2. Brief Description of Prior Developments

U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,942 discloses a hydraulically operated crimpingtool. The tool has a hydraulic piston with a central recess thatreceives a member with a duct. A rear end of the member is screwed intothe frame of the tool and is adapted to conduit oil into the centralrecess.

There is a desire to provide a hydraulic tool, such as a crimping toolor a cutting tool, which has a rapid ram advanced feature, but which canaccommodate longer stroke lengths of the ram. Hydraulic tools, such ascrimping tools and cutting tools, can comprise rotatable heads whereinthe ram of the tool is adapted to rotate relative to the frame of thetool. With this type of rotatable head hydraulic tool, a conduit membersuch as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,942 can cause problems becauseof the threaded engagement between the conduit member and the frame.This threaded engagement can loosen or become disconnected because ofrotation of the rotatable head; transferred to the conduit member byfriction between the ram and the conduit member. In addition, vibrationsin a tool, such as a battery operated hydraulic tool, can also causethis threaded engagement to loosen or become disconnected. There is adesire to provide a tool which can accommodate longer stroke lengths ofthe ram, have a rotatable head and a conduit tube which extends into theram, but with a system to prevent disconnection of the conduit tube fromthe frame which otherwise might occur with a threaded connection becauseof rotation of the head or vibrations in the tool. There is also adesire to provide a hydraulic tool with a conduit tube extending into aram cavity wherein the conduit tube is easier to connect to a frame ofthe tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a hydraulic toolis provided including a frame having a hydraulic conduit system; a rammovably connected to the frame; and a multi-speed ram advancement systemfor advancing the ram in at least two different rates of movement on theframe. The multi-speed ram advancement system includes a hydraulic pumpconnected to the hydraulic conduit system of the frame; and a conduittube extending into a hydraulic chamber inside the ram and fixedlyconnected to the frame. The conduit tube is adapted to conduit hydraulicfluid from the hydraulic conduit system into the hydraulic chamberinside the ram. The conduit tube is axially rotatably connected to theframe and longitudinally stationarily fixed to the frame.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, ahydraulic tool is provided comprising a frame having a hydraulic conduitsystem; a ram movably connected to the frame; and a multi-speed ramadvancement system for advancing the ram in at least two different ratesof movement on the frame. The multi-speed ram advancement systemcomprises a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic conduit system ofthe frame; and a conduit tube located in a hydraulic chamber inside theram and fixedly connected to the frame. A rear end of the conduit tubecomprises an angular groove with a pin extending from the frame into theannular groove to attach the conduit tube to the frame. The conduit tubeis rotatable relative to the frame with the groove rotating on the pin.The pin substantially prevents the conduit tube from movinglongitudinally relative to the frame.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a hydraulictool is provided comprising a frame having a hydraulic conduit system; aram movably connected to the frame; and a multi-speed ram advancementsystem for advancing the ram in at least two different rates of movementon the frame. The multi-speed ram advancement system comprises ahydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic conduit system of the frame;and a conduit tube extending into a hydraulic chamber inside the ram andfixedly connected to the frame. A rear end of the conduit tube comprisesan angular groove with a pin extending from the frame into the annulargroove to attach the conduit tube to the frame. The conduit tube isrotatable relative to the frame with the groove rotating on the pin. Thepin substantially prevents the conduit tube from moving longitudinallyrelative to the frame. The conduit tube is adapted to conduit hydraulicfluid from the hydraulic conduit system into the hydraulic chamberinside the ram. The conduit tube is axially rotatably connected to theframe and longitudinally stationarily fixed to the frame.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a hydraulictool is provided comprising a frame having a hydraulic conduit systemconnected to a hydraulic fluid reservoir; a ram movably connected to theframe; a ram advancement system for advancing the ram on the frame, theram advancement system comprising an activation trigger; and a combinedactivation trigger guard and hydraulic fluid release system comprising avalve and a member located a spaced distance in front of the activationtrigger, wherein the member forms a trigger guard for the activationtrigger, and wherein the member is adapted to actuate the valve torelease hydraulic fluid back to the hydraulic fluid reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention areexplained in the following description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool incorporating features of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of some of the components of the toolshown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along line 3—3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of some of the components and hydraulicsystem of the tool shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the conduit tube shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line 6—6 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of some of the components shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along line 8—8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along line 9—9 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along line 10—10 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of some of the components of the toolshown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the trigger guard shown in FIG. 11; and

FIG. 13 is a partial cut-away view of components of the release system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a hydraulictool 10 incorporating features of the present invention. Although thepresent invention will be described with reference to the exemplaryembodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that thepresent invention can be embodied in many alternate forms ofembodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elementsor materials could be used.

The tool 10 comprises a battery operated hydraulic tool. Referring alsoto FIG. 2, the tool 10 generally comprises a frame 12 surrounded by ahousing 13 (see FIG. 1), a hydraulic fluid reservoir 14, an electricmotor 16, a hydraulic pump 18, a movable ram 20 and a battery 22. Thetool 10 comprises a working head 24 (see FIG. 1). The working head 24comprises a portion 26 of the frame and the movable ram 20. The portion26 and the ram 20 are rotatably connected to the rest of the frame 12.In the embodiment shown, the working head 24 comprises a compression orcrimping head. The crimping head can compress electrical connectors ontoelectrical conductors. The crimping head can be adapted to removablyreceived different types of crimping dies 28. In an alternateembodiment, the working head 24 could comprise a cutting head which isadapted to cut electrical conductors or construction rebar, for example.In alternate embodiments, any suitable type of working head having amovable ram could be provided. In addition, features of the presentinvention could be used in hydraulic tools which are not batteryoperated, such as a manually actuated hydraulic tool or a hydraulic toolconnected to a external hydraulic pump.

The frame 12 comprises a hydraulic conduit system 30. The hydraulicconduit system 30 is adapted to allow hydraulic fluid to flow betweenthe reservoir 14 and a front area 32 of the frame 12 in which the rearend 78 of the ram is located. The front area 32 has the ram 20 movablylocated therein. Referring also to FIG. 3, the pump 18 is connected tothe frame 12 and comprises a reciprocating piston member 34 located in aportion of the hydraulic conduit system 30. The pump 18 comprises asingle stage pump. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable typeof pump could be provided such as, for example, a dual stage pump or afixed displacement axial piston pump such as shown in U.S. Pat. No.6,446,482 B1 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.In the embodiment shown, an output shaft 36 of the electric motor 16 isconnected to the piston member 34 by an eccentric transmission system 38of the pump 18. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type oftransmission system between the electric motor and the piston membercould be provided.

As the output shaft 36 is axially rotated, the eccentric transmissionsystem 38 causes the piston member 34 to move in and out of the pistonchamber or pump cavity 40 of the hydraulic conduit system 30. As thepiston member 34 is pulled out of the pump cavity 40, hydraulic fluid isdrawn from the reservoir 14 into the pump cavity 40. As the pistonmember 34 is pushed back into the pump cavity 40, hydraulic fluid ispushed out of the pump cavity 40 towards the front area 32 of the frameand, more specifically, towards the rear end 78 of the ram and theconduit 68 of the tube 48.

The tool comprises a multi-speed ram advancement system comprisingvalves in the hydraulic conduit system adapted to initially primarilysupply hydraulic fluid from the pump to a chamber inside the ram throughthe conduit tube, but upon a predetermined hydraulic pressure in theconduit system, to subsequently primarily supply hydraulic fluid fromthe pump to a rear end of the ram through a path different than throughthe conduit tube. The hydraulic conduit system 30 comprises variousvalves located in the conduit system to control where the hydraulicfluid is delivered by the pump 18. The pump operates on an intake strokeand output stroke. Referring also to FIG. 4, during the intake stroke,hydraulic fluid, such as oil, is pulled from the reservoir 14 through afilter 42 and through the inlet check valve 44 filling the pump cavity40 of the pump 18. Once the pump cavity 40 is filled, the tool is readyfor the output stroke. During the output stroke, the hydraulic liquid ispumped across the pump check valve 46, into a conduit tube 48 to fillthe center ram cavity 50.

As seen best in FIG. 2, the ram 20 is normally biased in a rearwardposition by a spring 52. The ram 20 comprises the center ram cavity 50which extends into the rear end of the ram 20. The cavity 50 forms ahydraulic chamber inside the ram. In addition, the cavity 50 forms areceiving area for slidably receiving a portion of the conduit tube 48.In the embodiment shown, the ram 20 has two annular seal grooves 54, 56.O-ring seals 58, 60 are located in the seal grooves 54, 56.

Referring also to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the conduit tube 48 isshown. The conduit tube comprises a rear end 62 with an exterior surfacecomprising an annular mounting groove 64 and an annular seal groove 66.The rest of the conduit tube 48 has a general cylindrical shape with auniform outer lateral side. The conduit tube 48 comprises a conduit 68which extends from the rear end 62 to the front end 70. The front end ofthe conduit 68 opens into the center ram cavity 50 of the ram 20 at thefront end 70, but is otherwise substantially closed. The rear entranceto the conduit 68 at the rear end 62 of the conduit tube also forms aseat 72 (see FIG. 2) for a spring of the pump check valve 46.

As seen best in FIG. 2, the tool comprises a mounting pin 74 which isconnected to the frame 12 and extends from the frame into the annularmounting groove 64 of the conduit tube 48. With this arrangement, theconduit tube 48 is adapted to axially rotate relative to the frame 12.The annular mounting groove 64 is able to rotate relative to themounting pin 74. Thus, the connection of the rear end of the conduittube 48 to the frame 12 comprises a rotatable connection. However,because the pin 74 is located in the groove 64, the conduit tube 48 issubstantially prevented from longitudinally moving relative to the frame12. The conduit tube is axially rotatably connected to the frame andlongitudinally stationarily fixed to the frame.

The working head 24 can be rotatably connected to the frame 12. The ram20 can also be rotatably connected to the frame 12. If the ram 20 isrotated, friction between the conduit tube 48 and the ram 20, such asthrough the seal 58, can be compensated for by the rotatable couplingbetween the conduit tube 48 and the frame 12 without risk of the conduittube 48 loosening or becoming disconnected from the frame 12. A firstseal 76 is located in the first annular seal groove 66 of the conduittube. The first seal 76 provides a seal between the conduit tube 48 andthe frame 12. The first seal 76 can provide a sealing function even whenthe conduit tube 48 is axially rotated relative to the frame 12.

An important feature of the present invention is in regard to theassembly of the conduit tube 48 with the frame 12. During assembly ofthe hydraulic tool 10, the conduit tube 48 can be merely plugged intothe frame 12 and the mounting pin 74 connected to the frame 12 tocomplete attachment of the conduit tube to the frame. Rotationalalignment of the conduit tube relative to the frame 12 is not critical.The conduit tube 48 does not need to be rotated at all when beingconnected to the frame 12. The mounting pin interlocks with the annulargroove of the conduit tube regardless of the rotational position of theconduit tube with the frame.

The second seal 58 is located between the ram 20 on the inside surfaceof the center ram cavity 50 and the exterior surface of the conduit tube48. The ram 20 is adapted to longitudinally slide on the conduit tube48. The second seal 58 can provide a sealing function between the centerram cavity 50 and the cavity 84 behind the rear end 78 of the ram 20.The second annular seal groove 54 is located spaced from the rear end 78of the ram such that the second seal 58 is retained with the ram as theram moves forward along the conduit tube 48. When compared to a systemwhich has a movable mechanical actuator for a rapid ram advanced system,the conduit tube 48, because it remains longitudinally stationery, canallow for a longer ram stroke movement within a same size longitudinallength of a tool.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the portions of the tool shown in FIG. 2,but without showing the working head. FIGS. 8–10 show various partialcross sections taken from the portions shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 6 is across sectional view taken along line 6—6 in FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS.2–10, in a preferred embodiment, the pump diameter or diameter of thepiston member 34 is relatively close to the diameter of the conduit tube48. When the hydraulic fluid from the pump enters the center ram cavity50, because the pump diameter is relatively close to the diameter of theconduit tube 48, the ram 20 is pushed forward relatively quickly. As theram 20 moves forward, it pulls fluid from the reservoir 14 throughfilter 42 and a suction check valve 80 (see FIG. 4) behind the rear end78 by a suction or vacuum effect. When the ram 20 encounters apredetermined resistance, a low pressure check valve 82 opens and allowsthe hydraulic fluid to flow into the cavity 84. Once the pressure in thecavity 84 starts to increase, the suction check valve 80 is forcedclosed.

As the tool continues to operate through a number of intake and outputstrokes of the pump, pressure increases to a predetermined set point,such as 8500–10,000 psi, for example. Once the set point pressure isobtained, the pressure relief valve 86 and the check valve 88 open. Thisallows hydraulic fluid to drain back around the lift stop valve 90 andinto the reservoir 14. Oil drains back until the pressure relief valve86 closes. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure relief valve closesor reseats at approximately 2000 psi. Oil, or hydraulic liquid, from thecenter ram cavity 50 and cavity 84 must be drained mechanically throughmanual valve 92. To drain the oil, the manual valve 92 is depressed whenlever 94 is moved by a user. The ram 20 is moved back to its retractedposition by the spring 52.

Some of the advantages of the present invention are similar to those ofa mechanical actuator. They both offer speed, reliability and ease ofmanufacturing. However, with the mechanical actuator, it is mostdifficult to package for crimped and cutting tools that requireadditional range capabilities, such as ram travel of approximately 1.4inches or more, especially in a relatively low output force tool, suchas a four to nine U.S. short tons of crimp or cut force. This is aresult of several factors. Factors include the manufacturing of longmechanical actuators and cylinders to accommodate such actuators. Longbores are difficult to produce in small diameters. In addition,packaging the mechanical actuator into a small diameter ram requires asmall diameter mechanical actuator. A small diameter mechanical actuatorin a battery tool may become too fast and safety needs to be considered.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 11–13, the lever 94 forms a trigger guardfor the activation trigger 96. To activate the tool 10, a user mustdepress the activation trigger 96. With the activation trigger 96depressed, the ram will move forward to cut or crimp an article in theworking head. Once the crimp or cut is complete, the ram is retracted toits home position prior to starting the next crimp or cut cycle. In theprior art, an activation trigger was susceptible to unwanted activation.If the activation device is accidentally bumped, the tool can start torun. To safeguard against unwanted activation, manufacturers use triggerguards. Such trigger guards require additional components to assemble,manufacture, inventory, and may increase the physical size of the tool.In addition, they add cost and weight to the tool. To return the ram tothe home position, the user will manually press a separate releasemechanism. When the release mechanism is depressed, the ram will movetowards a retracted position.

The present invention combines the features of a trigger guard with arelease mechanism. More specifically, the member 94 is part of amulti-function mechanism forming both a trigger guard for the activationtrigger 96 and a lever for the hydraulic fluid release mechanism. Thelever 94 can be pressed to return the ram to its home position prior tothe next crimp/cut cycle. In addition, the member 94 is used as atrigger guard for protecting the activation trigger 96 from unwantedactivation. In the event the lever 94 is accidentally pressed or bumped,the lever 94 can prevent the force from actuating the activation trigger96.

If the user accidentally presses or bumps both the member 94 and theactivation trigger 96, such as when a user's finger is on the activationtrigger 96 and the member 94 is accidentally bumped or pressed, the ramof the tool will not advance. It will remain at rest as long as themember 94 is pressed. As seen in FIG. 11, the member 94 is preferably aone-piece member and is connected to a transfer case or portion 98 ofthe frame. The portion 98 forms part of the pump housing andtransmission housing for transferring work from the electric motor tothe pump. As seen in FIG. 12, the member 94 has a first section 100 anda second section 102. The second section 102 is pivotably attached tothe portion 98 by a pin 104. The second section 102 has an extension106. As seen in FIG. 13, the bottom of the manual valve 92 is located ontop of the extension 106. The member 94 is able to pivot or rotate aboutthe pin 104 and rest against the manual valve or striker 92. When themember 94 is depressed the extension 106 presses the striker 92 upwardto open the check valve 108 of the manual valve 92. This allowshydraulic fluid to flow back to the oil reservoir. Thus, the ram is ableto be pushed back to its home position by the spring 52 (see FIG. 2).When the user releases the member 94, the spring of the check valve 108can push the striker 92 back down and the member 94 can be returned toits original home position. With the present invention, the releasemechanism is integrated with the trigger guard feature to reduce thenumber of parts of the tool and thereby reduce the manufacturing costand assembly time. The weight and size of the tool is also reduced.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modificationscan be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from theinvention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace allsuch alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within thescope of the appended claims.

1. A hydraulic tool comprising: a frame having a hydraulic conduitsystem; a ram movably connected to the frame; and a multi-speed ramadvancement system for advancing the ram in at least two different ratesof movement on the frame, the multi-speed ram advancement systemcomprising: a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic conduit systemof the frame; and a conduit tube extending into a hydraulic chamberinside the ram and fixedly connected to the frame, wherein the conduittube is adapted to conduit hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic conduitsystem into the hydraulic chamber inside the ram, and wherein theconduit tube is axially rotatably connected to the frame andlongitudinally stationarily fixed to the frame.
 2. A hydraulic tool asin claim 1 wherein the conduit tube comprises a rear end with an annularmounting groove, and the hydraulic tool further comprises a mountingmember connected to the frame and extending into the annular mountinggroove.
 3. A hydraulic tool as in claim 2 wherein the mounting membercomprises a mounting pin inserted into a hole in the frame, and whereinthe rear end of the conduit tube comprises an annular seal groove with aseal located in the annular seal groove between the conduit tube and theframe.
 4. A hydraulic tool as in claim 1 wherein the ram comprises anannular seal groove inside the hydraulic chamber and spaced from a rearend of the ram, and the hydraulic tool further comprises a seal locatedin the annular seal groove between the ram and the conduit tube.
 5. Ahydraulic tool as in claim 1 further comprising an electric motorconnected to the frame and operably coupled to the hydraulic pump.
 6. Ahydraulic tool as in claim 1 wherein the multi-speed ram advancementsystem comprises check valves in the hydraulic conduit system adapted toprimarily supply hydraulic fluid to a rear end of the ram rather than tothe conduit tube upon a predetermined hydraulic pressure in the conduitsystem.
 7. A hydraulic tool as in claim 6 wherein the hydraulic conduitsystem comprises means for supplying hydraulic fluid to the rear end ofthe ram while the ram is being pushed by hydraulic pressure in thehydraulic chamber.
 8. A hydraulic tool as in claim 1 wherein thehydraulic pump comprises a single stage piston pump.
 9. A hydraulic toolas in claim 8 wherein the hydraulic pump comprises an eccentrictransmission system for connecting an output shaft of an electric motorof the hydraulic tool to a reciprocating piston of the single stagepiston pump.
 10. A hydraulic tool comprising: a frame having a hydraulicconduit system; a ram movably connected to the frame; and a multi-speedram advancement system for advancing the ram in at least two differentrates of movement on the frame, the multi-speed ram advancement systemcomprising: a hydraulic pump connected to the hydraulic conduit systemof the frame; and a conduit tube located in a hydraulic chamber insidethe ram and fixedly connected to the frame, wherein a rear end of theconduit tube comprises an angular groove with a pin extending from theframe into the annular groove to attach the conduit tube to the frame,wherein the conduit tube is rotatable relative to the frame with thegroove rotating on the pin, and wherein the pin substantially preventsthe conduit tube from moving longitudinally relative to the frame.
 11. Ahydraulic tool as in claim 10 wherein the rear end of the conduit tubecomprises an annular seal groove with a seal located in the annular sealgroove between the conduit tube and the frame.
 12. A hydraulic tool asin claim 10 wherein the ram comprises an annular seal groove inside thehydraulic chamber and spaced from a rear end of the ram, and thehydraulic tool further comprises a seal located in the annular sealgroove between the ram and the conduit tube.
 13. A hydraulic tool as inclaim 10 further comprising an electric motor connected to the frame andoperably coupled to the hydraulic pump.
 14. A hydraulic tool as in claim10 wherein the multi-speed ram advancement system comprises check valvesin the hydraulic conduit system adapted to primarily supply hydraulicfluid to a rear end of the ram rather than to the conduit tube upon apredetermined hydraulic pressure in the conduit system.
 15. A hydraulictool as in claim 14 wherein the hydraulic conduit system comprises meansfor supplying hydraulic fluid to the rear end of the ram while the ramis being pushed by hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic chamber.
 16. Ahydraulic tool as in claim 10 wherein the hydraulic pump comprises asingle stage piston pump.
 17. A hydraulic tool as in claim 16 whereinthe hydraulic pump comprises an eccentric transmission system forconnecting an output shaft of an electric motor of the hydraulic tool toa reciprocating piston of the single stage piston pump.
 18. A hydraulictool comprising: a frame having a hydraulic conduit system; a rammovably connected to the frame; and a multi-speed ram advancement systemfor advancing the ram in at least two different rates of movement on theframe, the multi-speed ram advancement system comprising: a hydraulicpump connected to the hydraulic conduit system of the frame; and aconduit tube extending into a hydraulic chamber inside the ram andfixedly connected to the frame, wherein a rear end of the conduit tubecomprises an angular groove with a pin extending from the frame into theannular groove to attach the conduit tube to the frame, wherein theconduit tube is rotatable relative to the frame with the groove rotatingon the pin, and wherein the pin substantially prevents the conduit tubefrom moving longitudinally relative to the frame, wherein the conduittube is adapted to conduit hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic conduitsystem into the hydraulic chamber inside the ram, and wherein theconduit tube is axially rotatably connected to the frame andlongitudinally stationarily fixed to the frame.
 19. A hydraulic tool asin claim 18 wherein the rear end of the conduit tube comprises a firstannular seal groove with a first seal located in the first annular sealgroove between the conduit tube and the frame.
 20. A hydraulic tool asin claim 19 wherein the ram comprises a second annular seal grooveinside the hydraulic chamber and the hydraulic tool further comprises asecond seal located in the second annular seal groove between the ramand an exterior longitudinal side the conduit tube.
 21. A hydraulic toolcomprising: a frame having a hydraulic conduit system connected to ahydraulic fluid reservoir; a ram movably connected to the frame; a ramadvancement system for advancing the ram on the frame, the ramadvancement system comprising an activation trigger; and a combinedactivation trigger guard and hydraulic fluid release system comprising avalve and a member located a spaced distance in front of the activationtrigger, wherein the member forms a trigger guard for the activationtrigger, and wherein the member is adapted to actuate the valve torelease hydraulic fluid back to the hydraulic fluid reservoir.